Horse Breeding Explained

Breeding Explained

Greenacres Stud

Should I breed from my horse?

There is absolutely no point in breeding a foal which ends up at a meat auction and is sold for a fiver. Or, to put it another way: would you want the foal yourself or the grown up horse?

Here are some of the FAQ's you'll want to have answered :

Well , should I breed from my horse or not ?
To answer this question consider these points:

1. Conformation - are there any serious conformation faults?

2. Bloodline - a horse with good breeding is easier to sell.

3. Performance - what do you want the horse to do or become when adult? If a show jumper or an eventer a proven competition history is essential.

4. Temperament - Would you like to see your foal have the same temperament as his mother. Remember characteristics are passed on by both parents. If the answer to all these questions is positive - you do feel confident in breeding from your mare, the next issue is whether you want the mating to take place at a stud or at home.

These are some of the issues:

1. What does a new foal cost?

First there is the stud fee of £500 plus; then there is stud livery and routine vet's bills and another £500 plus if you intend to send your mare to foal at the stud. These items do not allow for something going wrong with the pregnancy, birth or the foal's first few days.

2. Get the best stallion for the job

Do not go to the cheapest one or the one nearest to you. Make a short list of stallions you wish to see - studs have photos and details - then go and look them over.

3. Looking for a stallion.

www.stallionsdirect.com is an equine breeding site. We suggest you start there. You may want to consult the British Horse Database which publishes a list of registered competition stallions (01933 274363) or if you want a particular breed make a point of contacting the appropriate breed society listed in the British Equestrian Directory.

4. In preparing your short list of stallions bear in mind :

(a) Breeding Record. Has the stallion sired a suitable foal before?

(b) Performance Record. Has the stallion been successful in your chosen field?

(c) Conformation. Make sure you don't select a stallion with the same faults as your mare. (d) Size. A larger sire should yield a taller foal.

5. Stallion shortlist. You can probably make a short list from all the photos and details provided by the studs and your other research.

6. Checking out the stud. When you visit each stud check out the venue, staff, general ambience and the cost. You then need to balance the looks and character of the selected stallion with the perceived quality of the stud. The next question which needs to be resolved is :

Do I take the mare to the stud or Do I breed at home?